Sarcopenia, the age-associated loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, is a frequent precursor to functional impairment, disability, falls, and loss of independence in the elderly. The prevalence of sarcopenia is high, with ≥ 45% of the U.S. population aged 60 years or older sarcopenic. Some possible causative factors include a decline in muscle protein synthesis, inactivity, hormonal changes, pro-inflammatory conditions, and reactive oxygen species within the muscle mitochondria, which may all be exacerbated by inadequate nutritional intake. Since dietary protein is targeted to muscle and muscle mass represents the largest tissue in the body, protein nutrition plays a significant role in muscle metabolism.

SPECIFIC AIMS The specific aim of this proposed study is to determine the effect of PS-IPC supplementation on muscle mass, muscle strength, muscle quality, and inflammatory / immune markers in healthy older adults. Subjects scoring 4 - 10 on the Short-Physical Performance Battery and aged 60-85 years will consume PS-IPC supplements or placebo three times daily for 12 weeks.

HYPOTHESES

Subjects consuming PS-IPC will have a greater increase in muscle mass and muscle strength compared to a control group consuming a placebo supplement.

Subjects consuming PS-IPC will demonstrate a greater increase in the fractional rate of muscle protein synthesis compared with a placebo control group.

Subjects receiving PS-IPC will have a reduction in plasma concentrations of various inflammatory markers of immune function, compared to subjects consuming the placebo.

Each subject in this study will be provided the PS-IPC dietary supplement or placebo to consume three times per day for the 12-week duration of the intervention. The placebo supplement will consist of an iso-caloric supplement designed to match the PS-IPC supplement in volume, color, consistency, and palatability.

Placebo Comparator: Placebo supplementation

Dietary Supplement: Placebo supplement

Each subject in this study will be provided the PS-IPC dietary supplement or placebo to consume three times per day for the 12-week duration of the intervention. The placebo supplement will consist of an iso-caloric supplement designed to match the PS-IPC supplement in volume, color, consistency, and palatability.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

60 Years to 85 Years

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

BMI of less than or equal to 35 kg/m2, be weight stable (+/- 5 kg) over the previous 4 months (via oral report), report the absence of alcohol or drug abuse, require minimal help in performing activities of daily living, and have a Short Physical Performance Battery score of 4 - 10.

Exclusion Criteria:

Subjects with acute or chronic disease or who may be using drugs that might interfere with skeletal muscle metabolism / function or immune function will be excluded from participation. Other exclusion criteria include cognitive deficits identified by a Mini-Mental State Examination score < 24, mobility impairment requiring a wheelchair, infections, endocrine diseases (e.g., diabetes or untreated thyroid dysfunction), active inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, renal dysfunction, anemia (hemoglobin < 11.5 g/dL), cardiac problems in preceding 3 months or congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive lung disease, neoplasia other than of the skin during the preceding 5 years, influenza vaccine within last 3 weeks or other vaccines within last 6 weeks, known systemic reaction to any immune function test antigen, and use of the following drugs: immunosuppressants, antianginal agents, antiarrhythmics, antibiotics within last 2 weeks, and oral steroids. Other conditions may be used as inclusion / exclusion criteria at the discretion of the study physician to ensure the safe participation of potential study subjects.

Contacts and Locations

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00926250